Avalanche buy out defenseman Francois Beauchemin

DENVER (AP) The Colorado Avalanche have bought out the final year of defenseman Francois Beauchemin's contract.

General manager Joe Sakic announced the move Thursday. Beauchemin had a no-movement clause in his deal, and buying him out allows Colorado to protect an extra player in the upcoming Vegas expansion draft.

Beauchemin had one season left on his three-year deal at a salary-cap hit of $4.5 million. Because he was over 35 when he signed the deal, that entire amount counts against the Avalanche's cap this season, making it more of a move with the expansion draft in mind.

Moving on from the 37-year-old also means Colorado can get younger after finishing last in the NHL. Beauchemin averaged 21:31 of ice time and had 18 points last season.